Complaints about a transgender woman in the woman's locker room cost Midland woman her gym membership at Planet Fitness, known for its "judgement free zone" ads

A woman who worked out at the Planet Fitness in Midland has had her membership revoked after she complained to fellow members about a transgender woman she spotted in the locker room.

Planet Fitness promotes itself as a "judgment free zone."

Yvette Cormier, 48, told WNEM, a Saginaw TV station, that she was "stunned and shocked" when she encountered a person she thought was a man in the locker room.

"They proceeded to tell me that they have to embrace whatever sex somebody thinks they are, and they're allowed to use what restroom that they would want to use," she said, explaining how gym management responded to her report. "They should point that out before you sign up to join their gym or post it on the front of the bathroom door."

Planet Fitness spokeswoman McCall Gosselin said in an e-mail to the Free Press that the membership wasn't canceled due to complaints, but because "the manner in which she expressed her concerns about the policy exhibited behavior that club management deemed inappropriate and disruptive to other members, which is a violation of the membership agreement."

Gosselin did not respond to an e-mail asking her to elaborate on what that meant. She also did not respond to a request for a copy of the chain's membership contract.

In her e-mail to the Free Press, she said, "Planet Fitness is committed to creating a non-intimidating, welcoming environment for our members. Our gender identity non-discrimination policy states that members and guests may use all gym facilities based on their sincere self-reported gender identity."

A law professor told the Free Press that the contract gives both parties — the organization and the individual — obligations and expectations. He also said the contract language might be vague.

"The problem I'm seeing here, though, is every contract incorporates a duty of good-faith performance," said Michigan State University law professor Daniel Barnhizer. "The no-judgment clause in their contract is so potentially vague that they seem to be using it in this situation in a way to deny the member the benefits she reasonably expected out of the contract. This is a significant issue."

According to the Planet Fitness website, the 23-year-old New Hampshire-based chain has more than 900 locations across the U.S. It calls its judgment-free zone "a unique, friendly and hassle-free environment."